Health Alert: Fat Around the Heart Is Deadly.
According to a study that reviewed CT scans of nearly 7,000 middle-aged and older adults whom researchers monitored for 17 years, there’s an association between fat build-up around the heart and a significant increased risk for heart failure, even in individuals who are not considered overweight.
Journal of the American College of Cardiology, May 2021
Diet: “Yo-Yo” Dieting May Mean Sleep Issues.
A year-long study that included 500 women found that those with a history of yo-yo dieting (losing and regaining 10 pounds (4.53 kg)) were more likely to experience insomnia, sleep apnea, and other sleep problems.
Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, May 2021
Exercise: Physical Activity Lowers Risk for Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke.
An analysis of data collected from nearly 100,000 individuals found that meeting current physical activity guidelines is associated with a substantially lower risk for both atrial fibrillation and stroke. Lead author Dr. Shaan Khurshid writes, “Our findings supported recommendations from the European Society of Cardiology, the American Heart Association, and the World Health Organization for 150 minutes or greater of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week.”
European Heart Journal, May 2021
Chiropractic: Too Much Phone Use Nearly Doubles Risk of Neck Pain in Young Adults.
Assessments of nearly 5,000 young adults who are part of an ongoing study found that interacting with a smartphone for seven or more hours a day can increase the risk for neck pain by nearly 80%. Past studies have shown that excessive device use is associated with forward head posture, which can elevate the risk for pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. Doctors of chiropractic often use a combination of manual therapies and specific exercises to address forward head posture and neck pain.
Public Health, June 2021
Mental Attitude: Dogs Can Help Stressed-Out College Students.
Washington State University students who participated in a program that focused exclusively on petting and interacting with therapy dogs experienced significant improvements with respect to both their executive function skills and capacity to manage stress.
Aera Open, May 2021
Wellness/Prevention: Get a Colonoscopy at 45, Not 50?
Due to an increase in adults being diagnosed with colon cancer at younger ages, the United States Prevention Services Task Force now recommends that all adults get their first colonoscopy at age 45 instead of age 50.
Journal of the American Medical Association, May 2021